County health department offering free measles vaccines

The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is available for free until further notice at the Alamance County Health Department, in light of recent measles outbreaks in Stokes and Orange counties.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has expanded the use of the MMR vaccine to anyone 12 months and older, who isn’t up-to-date on his or her vaccines. As of Friday, the NCDHHS reported eight cases of measles in North Carolina residents, and cases have been identified in Stokes and Orange counties.

Usually, the MMR vaccine is given to children ages 12 to 15 months, with a booster shot administered at ages 4 to 6.

“The eligibility criteria has changed,” said Stacie Turpin Saunders, the Alamance County Health Department’s health education supervisor. Prior to April 18, when the measles outbreaks were identified in North Carolina, Saunders said eligibility for the state’s supply of free MMR vaccines was largely limited to certain populations.

“Now that the liberal use policy has gone into effect … the state allows us to administer the MMR vaccine to anyone for whom it is recommended, despite their insurance status,” she said.

Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through the air by coughing and sneezing, and can be spread through contact with secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person.

Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, watery eyes and coughing. After a few days, a rash appears on the head and spreads over the entire body. Measles can lead to pneumonia and other problems, especially in young children. Measles also poses serious risks for pregnant women, including miscarriage and premature birth.

“Measles is extremely uncommon and preventable through the MMR vaccine which protects against not only measles but also mumps and rubella,” said Alamance County Medical Director Kathleen Shapley-Quinn in the news release. The MMR vaccine is required for entry into public school.

The MMR Vaccine walk-in clinic is at on the first floor of the Alamance County Health Department, at 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington. The vaccine is available Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. and then again from 1 to 4 p.m., until further notice.

For more information about the Alamance County Health Department’s MMR Vaccine walk-in clinic, call 336-227-0101.